Genres That Perform Best in Sync Licensing

Sync licensing — the process of placing music in TV shows, movies, commercials, video games, and more — has become one of the most lucrative and exciting opportunities for artists, songwriters, and producers.

If you're looking to break into sync licensing, understanding which genres perform best can give you a major advantage.

Let's dive into it:

1. Indie Pop

Why It Works:
Indie pop is catchy, emotional, and accessible — without feeling overproduced.
Supervisors love it because it can convey a wide range of emotions (from joy to nostalgia) while still feeling authentic.

Where It Lands:

• Teen dramas

• Romantic comedies

• Commercials (especially targeting younger demographics)

• Lifestyle brands (clothing, tech, travel)

Pro Tip:
Songs with upbeat energy, relatable lyrics, and memorable hooks have a strong shot at getting synced.

2. Indie Rock / Alternative Rock

Why It Works:
Gritty yet emotional, indie and alternative rock tracks provide a sense of edginess, rebellion, and authenticity.
Music supervisors often turn to rock when they want to add energy or underscore pivotal moments.

Where It Lands:

• Sports montages

• Action scenes

• Car commercials

• Coming-of-age stories

Pro Tip:
Focus on anthemic choruses, driving rhythms, and raw vocal performances.

3. Hip-Hop

Why It Works:
Hip-hop brings confidence and style — making it a favorite for brands and films looking for a bold, modern sound.

Where It Lands:

• Dramas

• Tech and fashion commercials

• Video games (especially sports and racing)

• Movie trailers

Pro Tip:
Sync-friendly hip-hop often has clean lyrics (or clean versions available) and a strong, infectious beat.

4. Singer-Songwriter / Folk

Why It Works:
Singer-songwriter and folk music are intimate, emotional, and story-driven — perfect for projects that want to create a deep emotional connection.

Where It Lands:

• Heartfelt commercials (insurance, healthcare, charity)

• Indie films

• Family dramas

• Romantic montages

Pro Tip:
Simple, acoustic arrangements with clear, heartfelt vocals perform best. Think real and raw, not overly polished.

5. Cinematic Instrumentals

Why It Works:
Big, sweeping cinematic tracks are ideal for creating drama, tension, and scale without needing lyrics.

Where It Lands:

• Movie trailers

• Video game scores

• Action and fantasy films

• Sports highlights

Pro Tip:
If you’re a producer, composing dynamic, evolving instrumentals (with rising builds and epic drops) can open huge sync opportunities.

6. Electronic / EDM

Why It Works:
Electronic and EDM music provide energy, movement, and a modern vibe that fits well with technology, fashion, and fast-paced visuals.

Where It Lands:

• Commercials (especially tech, fitness, fashion)

• Club scenes in movies and shows

• Sports and eSports content

Pro Tip:
Tracks that combine driving beats, catchy synth hooks, and uplifting drops tend to sync very well.

Final Thoughts: It’s Not Just About Genre — It’s About Emotion

While genre matters, emotion is king in sync licensing.

Music supervisors are always asking,
"What emotion does this song amplify?"

No matter what genre you work in, songs that clearly convey the following emotions are much more likely to get licensed:

• Hope

• Triumph

• Love

• Freedom

• Nostalgia

• Rebellion

• Confidence

Pro tip for creators:
When writing with sync in mind, think visual storytelling. Ask yourself: "Could this song soundtrack a moment on screen?"
If the answer is yes — you're already one step ahead.